Friday Fave - Travel Wallet

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Lori on Pinterest

Source: ebay.com via Eden on Pinterest

If you have traveled even once, then you will appreciate this item. It's a travel wallet. You know how you fumble around with your passport, boarding passes and claim tickets? I know I do. I used to have a plastic protector that I kept all of our travel papers in. Our passports are kept in our own individual passport covers (thanks, Kate Spade).  All until I stumbled upon travel wallets. Different designers make them and they are perfect for storing everything. I purchased two while we were in Las Vegas. One from the Kate Spade outlet store and the other from the Kate Spade store in the Forum Shops of Caesar's Palace. One is a nude patent color and is the size of a clutch. The other is an ostrich skin red/orange. It's a bit smaller than the other.  I used the patent one on our trip back. PERFECTION!!!
Everything fit in one space - no need for a separate passport holder or my plastic folder.

Source: ebay.com via Eden on Pinterest

If you head over to Kate Spade right now, you can snag this bright colored one for $114 - great deal! Sign up for their email and get 15% off........

Source: katespade.com via Melinda on Pinterest

Do you have a favorite travel accessory? I'd love  to know.......

Friday Fave - coffee

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest via google.com

 This weeks Friday Fave is my wonderful Tassimo single serve coffee maker.  This guy is like a member of my family. Honestly, I'm not sure what I ever did without him. I've had it for about two years now.  My husband doesn't drink coffee so it really doesn't make sense to make a full pot of coffee each time. Even the smaller pots went to waste because I only drink one cup at a time once a day.

 People who know me, know that I am a huge Starbucks fan. I'd go all the time to get my single cup fix. All for $4.45 a pop - more or less depending where you live.  Now, my cup of coffee costs less than .80 a pop.  No brainer!  It tastes just the same to me especially when I use the Starbucks Breakfast Blend discs.

I typically prep it for work in my Kate Spade thermos and use one of my Crate and Barrel coffee cups.



Friday Fave - Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is one of our go to stores for groceries. I am HOOKED on the Air popped and Olive oil popcorn. So, when we go, I usually buy at least two bags of it. Maxi and Coco seem to like it, too. When I drop some that is. Maxi is tiny - so, he practically sits on my shoulder waiting for a kernel to fall. Sometimes, it falls by "accident".

  You won't find brand names at Trader Joe's. They have their own brand as well as not so well known brands of food. They basically bring the customer what they know they want. They don't have sales or discount cards. Their prices are totally reasonable. In fact, their fresh flower prices are lower than most.

 There is a little section in the store that hosts samples. They showcase an item or two (or three) and a coffee drink and sometimes a cold drink. Yesterday, the food sample was hummus and tabbouleh on sweet potato tortilla chips. Out of this world good. So good, we purchased all of the items and had as a little snack last night for movie night. Hummus is made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Tabbouleh is is a healthful and delicious Mediterranean food recipe prepared with cracked wheat, mint, garlic, tomatoes, green onions, olive oil and lemon.

 Fun fact: Wonder why they ring those bells? Apparently, it's their "Morse Code". One ring means - more registers needed. Two rings means - customer question. Three rings means - a manager is needed.  Who knew???

 Do you have a Trader Joe's in your area? If so, what are your favorite items?

Friday Fave - Free to Be Bohemian me.....

I have become obsessed with bracelets. Stacking bracelets specifically. One morning during my blog browsing, I found  the Free to Be Bohemian Me blog. I struck gold! Not only is the blog a source of inspiration and motivation, the owner/designer - Myisha Croom-Turner creates the most fabulous bracelets. Bracelets for stacking!  You can just tell from her blog how much love and spirit she puts in all of her creations. That means a lot to me. You seriously have to head over to her blog and her shop for more.

Photo Credit: Free to Be Bohemian Me

The stack above is one of my favorites. Believe me, you will see this on my arm very soon.......

Myisha was kind enough to answer a few questions for us. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I do.

E: What gave you the courage to leave the corporate world  and start your own business?
Myisha: Courage is exactly what it took. I was pretty much forced to take the leap because I had exhausted all of my time off and leave of absences from work and the only alternatives were to go back or resign. My husband played a huge part in me leaving because he always encouraged me to explore my artistic side more, and so designing my jewelry full-time seemed to be the best next step for me. I believe that everything happened right on time. I used God's guidance, partnered with my drive to succeed, and my husbands constant cheerleading and I haven't looked back since.

E: What inspires you when creating your jewelry?
Myisha: Everything inspires me! One evening I was watching a romantic comedy and at the end of the movie a song by Natasha Bedingfield came on that really moved me. I was really feeling the joy in her song and it inspired me that evening to create some pieces from my summer line. So I definitely find inspiration in music but also art, fashion, people, and life.

E: What is your best seller and why?
Myisha: My best sellers are my Affirmation Bracelets. I believe they are popular because we all want the 4 elements of the affirmation bracelets to be a constant in our lives. Joy, Love, Peace, and Faith all keep us grounded and sane, and sometimes a little reminder of those things will jar you when things get a little hectic in life. It's nice to glance down at your wrist and see those 4 powerful words staring up at you. It can bring you back to yourself and remind you that life really is about being joyful, having love and peace and definitely keeping the faith.

Affirmation Bracelets

E: I can tell from your blog that you love to give back. What sort of things do you do to give back?
Myisha: I do try to give back as much as possible. Besides donating my jewelry to worthy causes for raffles and give-a-ways I also give back in support of Juvenile Diabetes research. My son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes also known as Juvenile Diabetes 2 years ago, and I have been supporting the efforts to find a cure every since. This year I will be giving a portion of my jewelry sales to  Dogs 4 Diabetics which is an organization that trains dogs to recognize certain scents in diabetics who may be experiencing a low blood glucose.

E: Favorite blogs (besides elements of my life, of course - LOL)
Myisha: Yes, I do enjoy the Elements of my Life blog!! :) I also enjoy several other blogs...the list is crazy long. A few of my favorites are Ross Oscar Knight, Made By Girl, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and Running Mommy.

E: Favorite vacation spot?
Myisha: My favorite vacation spot is San Francisco! To be specific I love Costanoa which is a quaint, eco friendly nature resort on the coast of Highway 1, just 55 miles away from San Fran. It's literally across from the ocean, and there are beautiful hiking trails on the grounds. There are no televisions, you can't get cell phone reception, there's a gourmet restaurant on site, outdoor showers if you dare, and they have the best spa ever! You can stay in the lodge or in a Pottery Barn designed tent outdoors....I've done both!  It's such a great place to just get away from it all and clear your mind.  One of my favorite things about Costanoa is waking up in the morning to the smell of fresh blueberry pancakes and coffee prepared outdoors by the Costanoa staff, and seeing people in their pajamas grubbing. :)

I really appreciate the time Myisha took to chat with us about her life. Not often will you find someone kind enough to share. I am happy to call her my blog friend!

So, dear readers - grab a cup of coffee or tea and head on over to Free to Be Bohemian Me! Don't forget to be free.............................................

Friday Fave - Water

Bobble Filtered Water Bottles

I am a huge water drinker. Not only it is good for your inside - it's good for your outside. Doesn't really matter the brand - as long as it's bottled or filtered. I recently purchased an individual filtered water bottle - the bobble. I was going to get the Brita, but the bobble had much cuter colors. I know - it's girly, but hey......
I found mine at our local Meijer for $13USD. You can also find them on line. I don't drink from the bottle. I actually use it in my office and filter it in a glass. I plan to take it when we cruise - so, I'll see how the drinking from the bottle works then. The bobble uses a high quality, patented carbon filter which filters the tap water as you drink. The filter needs to be changed every two months or after roughly 300 fills.



Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Cashmere Blog


I also love flavored water. Not necessarily the little flavor packets that you pour into water, but natural flavors. I often use lime, lemon, grapefruit to flavor my water  - with nothing else. Just let the natural fruit flavors enhance the water. One of my favorite refreshing add ins is cucumber. Yes, cucumber - LOVE IT!!!!
I've also heard of mint being added. Can not wait to try that. What do you use to flavor your water? Are you are water drinker?

Friday Faves - from my kitchen

Coffee mugs - Crate and Barrel, Tea Kettle - Chantal, TJ Maxx, Everyday Italian Book - Food Network

I have a few items that I absolutely adore in my kitchen. My most recent find has been my Chantal Tiffany Blue tea kettle. I found this at TJ Maxx after seeing a similar one on Young Married Chic's blog. I was in TJ Maxx one day not even thinking about the tea kettle. In the housewares section, I looked up and low and behold, there it was! I love it! It adds that POP to our Kona colored kitchen cabinets. And it makes me smile!

Coffeemate - Coconut Creme

I seriously can not tell you how much I love this Coconut Creme. I'm trying to be good and get healthy, but this is one of my little cheats. I've tried not to use too much, but once I get started - LOL. 

Friday Fave - befrend bracelets

I have been into stacking bracelets lately.  I love it!  So, I've been on the look out for cute bracelets that I can wear for fun and to work. I absolutely fell in love when I found befrend bracelets by Monika of The Doctors Closet. 


Photo Credit: The Doctors Closet

   I have been into stacking bracelets lately.  I love it!  So, I've been on the look out for cute bracelets that I can wear for fun and to work. I absolutely fell in love when I found befrend bracelets by Monika Hibbs of The Doctors Closet. 



Photo Credit: The Doctors Closet

  These little gems are so chic!  Monika has several different styles for sale in her etsy store here. My faves are the larger chunkier ones, but I really like them all.  Believe me, you'll see me sporting at least one very soon  {smile}.  Be sure to check out her blog as well. Lots of great fashion, beauty and home advice.  Love her!!!!

Which one is your favorite?

Friday Fave - Holy Cow, Cupcakes!

This weeks Friday Fave is an Indy area cupcakery - Holy Cow, Cupcakes! .  I first heard of the company from one of my photography friends, Erin Hession of Erin Hession Photography.  So, one day  a few years ago a friend and I decided to check them out. I can't describe in words how wonderful these little treats are.
My absolute favorite is the Maple Bacon. I know, I know..... maple and bacon flavored?  Yup! DELISH.......It's like eating pancakes and bacon. Superb. You must try it.  They feature it every Saturday.
Be sure to check out their website here for more info on flavors and availability.

Photo Credit: Erin Hession Photography

Location and Hours Info:

545 South Rangeline Road

Carmel, IN 46032

317.571.1500

Sunday: Closed

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10-6

Friday: 10-5

Hours are subject to change

Cost:

Regular size cupcakes: $2.50 each $12/half dozen  $24/dozen

Babycakes $1 each $12/dozen.

Tax included

Friday Fave - Young Married Chic







Photo Credit: Young Married Chic









You know how sometimes you try to remember how you met a good friend?  It just seems like you've known them forever? Well, that is exactly how I feel about Young Married Chic. I can not remember how exactly I found her site. All I know is that I am so happy that I did! Kris  "The Chick behind the Chic" of Young Married Chic is the best. Her blog is chock full of wonderfullness ( is that a word?).  She blogs about food, travel, lifestyle and entertaining. How could I not like her?  Those are all of my faves, too. I plan to spend a whole afternoon just reading her entire blog. That's how good it is! So far, a few of my favorite posts are  here, here , here and here.

Here is a bit about Miss Kris from her blog:
Young Married Chic is a website that was started by me as a way for young women (married or not) to have a resource on all things domestic.  The website features daily recipes, home inspiration, travel articles, and entertaining ideas.

“When I arrived in NYC I was aware that it would be a different world up here.  My city friends are shopping at Bergdorf, getting mani/pedi’s like it’s a weekly job, ordering groceries online, and sending out their laundry to a delivery service.

 I was shell shocked for a bit, but then decided that I wanted to do things my own way- why couldn’t there be a middle of the road for women and who says that I can’t be the girl who does just that?

Why can’t we know how to entertain dinner guests (no, not by dialing for takeout) and look hot while doing so? Who says you can’t carry a Gucci bag by day and roast a chicken at night?  Why can’t you iron a shirt after getting a manicure? Does it have to be one or the other?

You seriously need to head over to check out her blog for yourself! Be sure to tell her we sent ya..............